Perched on the shores of Lake Wakatipu on New Zealand’s South Island, with the Remarkable mountains towering above, Queenstown is a town where pristine nature meets entrepreneurial spirit. Known as the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping, it offers a plethora of heart-pumping activities: jet boats on the Shotover and Kawarau rivers, whitewater rafting, canyoning, paragliding, zip-lining, mountain biking, skydiving, heli-tours, scenic flights, lake cruises, and hiking. With access to four ski resorts, World Heritage Fiordland National Park just two hours away, world-class wineries, breweries, and fresh produce, and no visa required for Australians, it’s no wonder Aussies flock there in droves.
However, the town’s 55,000 residents host three million visitors annually, leading to traffic congestion, a housing shortage, and high living costs. The terms “overtourism” and “sustainable” are frequently discussed. Unlike other global hotspots, Queenstown has adopted an innovative approach to reduce the impacts of its popularity. With a roadmap to achieving regenerative tourism and a goal to become a carbon zero visitor economy by 2030, the adventure capital aims to protect its tourism sector, environment, and residents’ quality of life.
Regenerative Tourism: A Holistic Approach
Regenerative tourism goes beyond sustainability, aiming not only to preserve but to enhance ecosystems, resident wellbeing, culture, and the economy. It seeks to leave destinations better than they were found. Trent Yeo, executive director of Ziptrek Ecotours, whose business was Queenstown’s first to reach net zero carbon operations, emphasises the responsibility of tourism operators. “To operate within tourism comes with great responsibility,” he says, believing tourism dollars should be used to invest in the right things.
Mat Woods, chief executive of Destination Queenstown, advocates for innovative change. “A lot of people think regenerative tourism relates only to the environment,” he notes. “But it also means giving back economically, socially, and culturally, making sure Queenstown is a great place to live as well as visit.” Unlike Barcelona or Venice, Queenstown has capacity for tourists, but congestion and environmental impacts affect its social licence.
Bold Initiatives for a Carbon Zero Future
Queenstown plans to go fully electric and reach carbon zero by 2030. Encouraging residents and businesses to transition to electrification and renewable energy is key. Shotover Jet has created the world’s first electric jet boat, which is cheaper, quieter, and more environmentally friendly. Future travellers from Queenstown Airport may use overhead electric powered cabins on demand, like air taxis, reducing vehicles and travel times.
The Travel to a Thriving Future plan outlines strategies already underway, including zero waste and pollution goals. Hotels are turning food waste into nutrient-rich compost. Headwaters Eco Lodge, built from recycled materials, is net-positive energy, collecting rainwater and using solar power. It features beehives, fruit trees, and home-grown herbs and vegetables, diverting organic waste from landfill.
Community Spirit and Can-Do Attitude
Queenstown’s residents and tour operators are deeply involved in consultations to address challenges. “Our kids will ask us in the future if we did good things for our environment,” reflects Trent Yeo. “I want to be able to say to them ‘Yes we did.’” With a collective desire to preserve the town, Queenstown is proving that balancing tourism, environment, and community is possible through bold ideas and action.
For more information on Queenstown’s green initiatives and conscious travel, visit queenstownnz.co.nz and tiakinewzealand.com.
